Panel Discussion In Honor of Dr Tom Waters The NIOSH Lifting Equation - Part II

2016 ◽  
Vol 60 (1) ◽  
pp. 963-964
Author(s):  
Robert R. Fox ◽  
Rammohan V. Maikala ◽  
Enrico Occhipinti ◽  
Daniela Colombini ◽  
Enrique Alvarez-Casado ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Failure Process ◽  
Panel Discussion ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Full Potential ◽  
Patient Handling ◽  
Manual Lifting ◽  
Materials Handling ◽  
Lift Index ◽  
Frictional Surfaces ◽  
Niosh Lifting Equation

With the introduction of the NIOSH Lifting Equation, specifically after the publication of the Revised Lifting Equation (RLE) (Waters et al., 1993), occupational health and safety professionals across the world have successfully utilized the RLE to evaluate the risks associated with lifting and lowering tasks in the workplace. Although the RLE takes into consideration of various job task variables to determine recommended weight limits for a variety of task combinations, a number of articles and peer reviewed publications have appeared with a notion of either extending or modifying the RLE to address manual handling situations that the original equation was not able to assess comprehensively. The purpose of this panel discussion will be to provide an overview to ergonomics practitioners and researchers of these extensions and beyond, thus exploiting the full potential of this lifting equation. The first presentation will discuss the Variable Lift Index (VLI) for highly variable manual lifting tasks, whereas the second presentation describes the Sequential Lift Index (SLI) in assessing a sequence of lifting tasks that workers perform while they rotate to different tasks over a workday. In addition to the inherent variability in lifting tasks assumed by the RLE, we often encounter materials handling scenarios associated with one-handed lifting, team lifting, lifting of people (e.g., patient handling), lifting while seated or kneeling, lifting on improper frictional surfaces, lifting unstable loads, or lifting for more than 8 hours. To this effect, the third presentation examines the wider application of the RLE by adding new multipliers to the equation. Extending further on quantifying typical lifting task-related variables and associated risk on the lower back, the final presentation explores the fatigue failure process experienced by the lumbar spine when performing multiple and varied lifting tasks. This innovative approach is nascent in ergonomics literature, especially in ergonomics risk assessment, and has great potential in injury prevention at the workplace.

Panel Discussion In Honor of Dr Tom Waters The NIOSH Lifting Equation - Part I

2016 ◽  
Vol 60 (1) ◽  
pp. 961-962
Author(s):  
Robert R. Fox ◽  
Wayne S. Maynard ◽  
Jay M. Kapellusch ◽  
W. Gary Allread ◽  
Jim Potvin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Panel Discussion ◽  
Work Force ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Manual Lifting ◽  
Initial Development ◽  
Industrial Systems ◽  
Exposure Response ◽  
Job Assessment ◽  
Working Populations ◽  
Niosh Lifting Equation

The NIOSH Lifting Equation, specifically the 1991 Revised Lifting Equation or RLE (Waters et al., 1993) is used worldwide by occupational ergonomists, industrial engineers and safety specialists to assess and (re)design manual lifting tasks and industrial systems that involve either single or repetitive lifting. Since the initial publication of the RLE, there have been a number of published studies on its usability, effectiveness and validation. The purpose of this panel discussion will be to critically review these RLE-related studies and examine implications of applying the RLE in various occupational settings and working populations. The first of four presentations will summarize recent epidemiological studies that have quantified exposure-response relationships between the RLE and incidence of low-back pain-related care and medication use issues, and discuss the RLE implications for job surveillance, intervention, and design approaches. The second presentation discusses practical relevance of the RLE and issues surrounding its sensitivity and specificity in correctly identifying hazardous lifting tasks. The third presentation will critically examine the conservativeness of the recommended weight limit derived from RLE by comparing the output of the RLE with the output from the specific biomechanical, psychophysical and physiological criteria utilized in its initial development of the lifting equation. Although application of the RLE has exponentially grown since its inception, the final presentation explores its feasibility in applying it to a non-US work force. The primary audience for this session will be occupational ergonomists who utilize the NIOSH equation for job assessment and (re)design, although the discussion should be of interest to researchers as well. The overall goal of this Part 1 symposium is to provide RLE users with some practical suggestions and recommendations.

Evaluation of the Revised NIOSH Lifting Equation (1991): On the Asymmetric Multiplier

1999 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yi-Chun Li ◽  
Steven A. Lavender ◽  
Raghu N. Natarajan ◽  
Gunnar B. J. Andersson ◽  
Faird M. L. Amirouche
Keyword(s):  
Sagittal Plane ◽  
Compressive Force ◽  
Physiological Data ◽  
Low Back ◽  
Manual Lifting ◽  
Materials Handling ◽  
Manual Materials Handling ◽  
Work Duration ◽  
Lifting Task ◽  
Niosh Lifting Equation

Abstract The NIOSH 1981 lifting equation (NIOSH, 1981) [1] is based on biomechanical, physiological, psychophysical, and epidemiological criteria in order to identify the risk of low back injuries in bi-manual lifting. The 1991 revised lifting equation [2] expands the application scope of the 1981 equation for evaluating asymmetrical lifting tasks, lifts of objects with less than optimal hand-container couplings, and a larger range of work duration and lifting frequencies; also, the load constant is reduced from 40 kg to 23 kg; the Lifting Index (LI) and the Recommended Weight Limit (RWL) replace the Maximal Permissible Limit (MPL) and Action Limit to indicate the potential risk. LI is an actual lifted weight and uses RWL as its unit. If LI < 1, it assumes that more than 99% of males and 75% of females are capable of performing the lifting task and the risk of causing low back injury is nominal. If LI < 3, it assumes that less than 25% of males and 1% of females are capable of performing the lifting task, and a greater percentage of manual materials handling workers is likely to be at risk of developing low back pain. Waters et al. (1993) [3] noted that although the 1991 equation has not been fully validated, the recommended weight limits derived from the revised equation are consistent with or lower than those generally reported in the literature. Hidalgo et al. (1995) [4] showed that the results of cross-validation of the NIOSH limits for psychophysical criterion confirmed the validity of assumptions made in the 1991 NIOSH revised lifting equation and for the biomechanical and physiological criteria which were not in total agreement. This validation was based on the psychophysical, biomechanical and physiological data recently published in the subject literature (Genaidy et al. 1990, Snook and Ciriello 1991, Genaidy et al. 1993, Asfour et al. 1991) [2]. Most of the validation limit in the sagittal plane lifting and 3.4 KN compressive force on the spine is the standard line in biomechanical criteria. The 1991 revised NIOSH lifting equation recommended that the allowable weight of lift be reduced by about 30% for lifts involving asymmetric twists of 90 degrees (Water et al., 1993), which considers asymmetric multiplier in the sagittal lifts as 1 and 90 degrees lifts as 0.7, and linearly reduced between the sagittal lifts and 90 degrees lifts. This maximum acceptable lifting capacity is applied not only in the heavier loads but also in the lighter loads. The hypothesis in evaluating NIOSH lifting equation on the asymmetric multiplier is that asymmetric multiplier may be appropriate adopted in the heavier loads (LI = 3) but will be improper applied in the lighter loads (LI = 1). Several types of data, static and dynamic data of the L5/S1 forces, moments, and compressive forces, are observed.

Manual Lifting—A Problem for Ergonomics

1979 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 14-18
Author(s):  
M. M. Ayoub ◽  
C. Grasley
Keyword(s):  
Manual Lifting ◽  
Industrial Environment ◽  
Materials Handling ◽  
Manual Materials Handling ◽  
Lifting Capacity ◽  
Potential Methods ◽  
Industrial Injuries ◽  
Future Work ◽  
Industry Needs ◽  
Injury Potential

The application of safety concepts in the industrial environment has gained momentum especially in the area of manual materials handling. Manual materials handling is a priority concern due to the high percentage of industrial injuries that result from such tasks. Industry needs an approach to establish human lifting capability in order to properly design jobs within these capacities. With the assumption that there is a relationship between an individual's lifting capacity and his/her injury potential, methods for determining maximum permissable weight of lift are reviewed. With these accomplishments in mind, the future work to be accomplished by the ergonomics community is forecast.

Psychophysical Capacity Modeling in Frequent Manual Materials Handling Activities

1988 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 319-337 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. M. Genaidy, ◽  
S. S. Asfour ◽  
A. Mital ◽  
M. Tritar
Keyword(s):  
Regression Models ◽  
Occupational Safety ◽  
Easy Access ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Manual Lifting ◽  
Materials Handling ◽  
Fuzzy Models ◽  
Safety And Health ◽  
Manual Materials Handling ◽  
Capacity Modeling

Models related to the psychophysical capacity of individuals engaged in frequent manual materials handling (MMH) activities are reviewed and evaluated. Predictive models are classified into regression models and fuzzy models. A list of these models is presented in the form of tables for easy access by designers and practitioners of occupational safety and health. Emphasis is placed on information that has become available since the publication of the NIOSH Work Practices Guide for Manual Lifting. Recommendations for future research in modeling the psychophysical capacity of individuals engaged in MMH activities are provided.

Industrial Human Factors Research in a British Health and Safety Institute

1981 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 541-545 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. E. Ridd ◽  
P. R. Davis
Keyword(s):  
Health And Safety ◽  
Research Unit ◽  
Materials Handling ◽  
Preventative Measures ◽  
Working Environments ◽  
Manual Handling ◽  
Industrial Groups ◽  
Human Factors Research ◽  
British Health

The role of the Materials Handling Research Unit (MHRU) within the Health and Safety Institute is to investigate industrial manual handling problems and their associated accidents. In particular the Unit's work is directed towards the prevention of back disorders which constitute the largest single attributed cause of absence for manual handling accidents (Davis and Sheppard, 1980: Stubbs and Nicholson, 1979). This research is directed firstly at ameliorating existing handling problems in industry and secondly, establishing safe guidelines for the design of future working environments. To this end the Unit has developed an analytical method which when applied to a particular industry can identify those areas where the risk of accidents and injury is greatest, and hence where preventative measures may have most effect. Of the industrial groups studied to date by the MHRU several are included here to illustrate the complete methodology.

Briggs Equipment puts the accent on safety

2014 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 22-24
Keyword(s):  
Material Handling ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Workplace Safety ◽  
Temporary Workers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Materials Handling ◽  
Home Improvement ◽  
Forklift Truck ◽  
Speak Up ◽  
Safety Procedures

Purpose – This paper aims to describe the various ways in which UK materials-handling service provider Briggs Equipment is seeking to eliminate foreseeable accidents in the workplace. Design/methodology/approach – Explains the initiatives that the company has taken among its own employees, plus one it has run for home-improvement center and material-handling partner Homebase. Reveals why Briggs decided to sponsor the Forklift Truck Association’s most recent safety conference. Findings – Details the importance of ensuring that all forklift-truck operators are fully trained to use the equipment and are aware of the company’s latest health and safety procedures; making certain that temporary workers have been given a thorough induction and have been fully trained to use the equipment and are aware of the site’s health and safety procedures; using the most appropriate of the technology available to make forklift trucks safer; and putting in place an anonymous, easy-to-report method to help workers to speak up about accidents or hazards in the workplace. Practical implications – Explains that Briggs aims to achieve a new organizational culture that places the emphasis on safety, but accepts that this cannot be created overnight. Social implications – Reveals that the latest Health and Safety Executive figures reveal a 4 per cent rise in serious accidents involving forklift trucks – the first rise in two years, which may result from some businesses cutting corners to reduce costs. Originality/value – Details the numerous and wide-ranging initiatives that one company is taking to improve workplace safety.

scholarly journals A Review of the NIOSH Lifting Equation and Ergonomics Analysis

2013 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 214-219 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nor Hafeezah Kamarudin ◽  
Siti Anom Ahmad ◽  
Mohd. Khair Hassan ◽  
Rosnah Mohd Yusuff ◽  
Siti Zawiah Md Dawal
Keyword(s):  
Automatic System ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Manual Lifting ◽  
Different Populations ◽  
Niosh Lifting Equation ◽  
New System ◽  
Safe Working ◽  
Ergonomic Intervention ◽  
The Ideal

The revised NIOSH Lifting Equation developed in 1991 is an ergonomic intervention assessment tool that used to calculate the recommended weight limit (RWL) for lifting tasks and to identify the hazardous lifting tasks. But this equation application is limited to those conditions for which it was designed and the different populations have different anthropometric distributions. This research will propose a solution to determine the effect of different manual lifting tasks on biomechanical, physiological and psychophysical limitation and develop the new automatic system tool to calculate the ideal RWL for Malaysian people for the working tasks perform. This new system tool which design according to the criteria of Malaysian people can increase the safe working environment for the workers.

scholarly journals Barriers to the Use of Assistive Devices in Patient Handling

2017 ◽  
Vol 66 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-48 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nancy L. Noble ◽  
Nancy L. Sweeney
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Safety Concern ◽  
Assistive Devices ◽  
Assistive Device ◽  
Health Care Environment ◽  
Patient Handling ◽  
Manual Lifting ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Care Workers

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) are a major safety concern in today’s health care environment due to the manual lifting of patients with higher acuity levels and obesity. Nurses move patients multiple times each day, incurring cumulative stress and trauma resulting in chronic pain and potential injury. The purpose of this study was to assess barriers to the use of assistive devices in safe patient handling and mobility (SPHM) that contribute to WMSD in health care workers. Interpersonal, situational, organizational, and environmental influences have both direct and indirect effects on workers’ commitment to use, or their actual likelihood of using, assistive devices. This study confirmed that time constraints contribute to fewer instances of assistive device use. Comprehensive ergonomic programs are needed to promote staff and patient safety. By providing safe environments for health care workers who engage in patient handling and mobility, the risk of injury can be significantly reduced.

scholarly journals How compliant are beverage employees to occupational health and safety regulations?

2009 ◽  
Vol 65 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Chetty ◽  
J. Jelsma ◽  
S. Maart
Keyword(s):  
Health And Safety ◽  
Descriptive Statistics ◽  
Practical Training ◽  
Healthcare Education ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Manual Lifting ◽  
Safety Regulations ◽  
Manual Handling ◽  
A Site ◽  
Lifting Techniques

This observational study was undertaken to identify thehealth and safety violations of employees at a specific beverage manufac-turing company.  A  site inspection and observation of all employees employedat this specific beverage company was conducted by the researcher over 2 days. Employees were observed for 12 hours per day with the morningshift on Day 1 and the afternoon shift on Day 2. A  sample of conveniencewas used in that every employee who was present on those days was included. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data set. There were a total of 212 employees and 332 behaviours observed during thisstudy period. Unsafe handling and behaviour was observed in 55% of observations. Incorrect manual lifting techniques was the most frequent health and safety violation observed. In the 48 manual lifting behaviours observed, correct practice was observed in only three cases.  It is clear thatmore healthcare education and practical training is required in the area of manual lifting techniques. It is clear that more practical training is required in the area of manual handling.

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